The world's only silver plated staircase needs buffing up. But at what cost? None, it is hoped by Lord Palmer, owner of one of Scotland's finest stately homes, Manderston House in Berwickshire. He inherited the 108-room pile in 1978 but with a dwindling income from farming and tourism, he cannot now afford a cleaner for this priceless feature. Three years ago, a couple who took on the task of polishing the brass-topped staircase retired after 20 years service and since then the peer has found it difficult to find volunteers. He hopes that the lure of fine wine and sandwiches as well as a jolly good time will entice eight or nine friends to use their elbow grease to bring it back to its former glory.

Sounds like good clean fun, what!